The Texas oil regulator on Jan. 29 advised oil and gas pipeline operators to secure equipment and facilities after forecasts for severe weather over the next several days.
The Railroad Commission of Texas, which oversees the state's oil and gas industries, issued the notice after the National Weather Service forecast wintry precipitation and ice accumulations across several parts of the state.
The oil regulator advised the operators to secure all personnel, equipment and facilities to prevent injury or damage and monitor and prepare operations for potential impacts.
It also asked the operators to "heed" all watches, warnings and orders issued by local emergency officials and monitor weather reports.
"Significant icing possible due to freezing rain. Total ice accumulations of one-tenth to one quarter of an inch, particularly on elevated surfaces and bridges. Some sleet will be possible," the National Weather Service said in a forecast for portions of north central, northeast and south central Texas.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates most of the state's power grid, also issued a notice for a potential freezing precipitation event for the Panhandle, north, west and central areas of the region beginning on Jan. 30 through Feb. 2.
Millions of Texans were left without power, water and heat for days during a deadly winter storm in February 2021 after the shutdown of a large amount of electric generation and gas pipelines.
Recommended Reading
US Oil, Gas Rig Count Falls for Second Time in Three Weeks: Baker Hughes
2023-02-17 - The U.S. oil rig count slipped to 607 the week ending Feb. 17, but the gas rig count rose to 115, according to Baker Hughes.
US Oil, Gas Rig Count Falls by Most in a Week Since June 2020: Baker Hughes
2023-02-03 - This week, the U.S. oil rig count dropped 10 to 599, while the gas rig count slipped two to 158, according to oilfield services firm Baker Hughes.
CEO Predictions: Tighter Oil Market in 2023, Permian ‘Plateau’ this Decade
2023-03-08 - Hess Corp. CEO John Hess said investment in oil and gas and clean energy hasn’t kept up with growing demand, while ConocoPhillips Chairman and CEO Ryan Lance says the Permian will probably plateau later this decade.
Oil and Gas Have Room to Grow in Canada, But Potential Pitfalls Ahead
2023-02-09 - Regulatory issues, inflation and takeaway capacity could hold up projects, while Bay du Nord could breathe new life into Canada’s struggling offshore sector.
U.S. Oil & Gas Rig Count Falls for Fourth Week in a Row: Baker Hughes
2023-03-10 - The number of oil and natural gas rigs operating fell for a fourth week in a row for the first time since July 2020.